What role did freed slaves play in Shermans capture of Atlanta?

Read this:

http://cwemancipation.wordpress.com/2014/12/07/african-americans-and-shermans-march/

http://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/articles/history-archaeology/shermans-march-sea

Freed slaves played a significant role in Sherman's capture of Atlanta during the American Civil War. To understand their role, we can follow these steps:

1. Research the historical context: Start by gaining a general understanding of the events during the American Civil War, the Union's efforts to combat the Confederacy, and the strategic importance of Atlanta.

2. Explore General Sherman's strategy: Learn about General William T. Sherman's military strategy, particularly his concept of total war and his desire to disrupt the Confederate supply lines and destroy their infrastructure.

3. Investigate General Sherman's interaction with freed slaves: Look for information on Sherman's views and policy regarding freed slaves. Research his meeting with a group of African American leaders in Savannah, known as the "Forty Acres and a Mule" meeting, where they discussed the future of freed slaves.

4. Analyze the contributions of freed slaves: Investigate the ways in which freed slaves actively supported Sherman's efforts. This may include their involvement in gathering intelligence, providing labor for the Union Army, and assisting with transportation and logistics.

5. Consult primary and secondary sources: Analyze various primary sources, such as letters, diaries, and official reports, to gain insights into the roles and experiences of freed slaves during the Atlanta campaign. Additionally, refer to reputable secondary sources like scholarly books and articles to corroborate your findings.

By following these steps and conducting thorough research, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of the role that freed slaves played in Sherman's capture of Atlanta during the Civil War.